In Ukraine, where a tense conflict continues, news of the gradual arrival of Western F-16 fighter jets creates some optimism. However, as reported by The New York Times, this optimism may be tempered by limitations related to the number of qualified pilots.
Ukraine will be able to use no more than ten F-16s this year due to a lack of pilots.
The publication writes that the number of planes that Western countries will transfer to Kyiv this summer is unknown. However, according to American officials, the United States, the Netherlands and Denmark are expected to train about 20 pilots this year.
Two pilots are usually attached to one plane so that they can take turns participating in sorties, resting, training, etc. Thus, this year the Ukrainian Air Force will be able to use at best about ten F-16s in combat missions.
Also, according to the publication, a certain number of fighters will be kept at protected air bases abroad, because the Air Force Command expects an increase in Russian airfield attacks with the arrival of F-16s in Ukraine. They will be a reserve for the need to replace faulty aircraft during scheduled maintenance.
